Storage and retrieval system and methods

ABSTRACT

An illustrative embodiment of a storage and retrieval system may include a storage assembly supported by a plurality of frame members. The storage assembly may include a plurality of storage members that may be engaged with one another such that each storage member may selectively move along a predetermined path. The exterior of the storage and retrieval system may include a front exterior panel that may be configured with an access port therein for interacting with items positioned on the storage members. The exterior may also include a first and/or second display, scanner, and one or more door flaps to allow/prevent access to the interior of the storage and retrieval system through the access port.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant states that this nonprovisional patent application claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from provisional U.S. Pat. App. No.61/648,002 filed on May 16, 2012, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to product shelving, display,storage, and/or retrieval.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

No federal funds were used to develop or create the invention disclosedand described in the patent application.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

AUTHORIZATION PURSUANT TO 37 C.F.R. §1.171 (d)

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright and trademark protection. The copyrightowner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of thepatent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patentand Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyrights whatsoever.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Retail stores commonly display merchandise on fixed-position shelves forviewing and selection by a consumer. However, such use of conventionalshelves has certain drawbacks and disadvantages to both the store andthe consumer. For example, use of conventional shelves to displaymerchandise can result in inefficient use of floor space because itlimits the useable heighth of shelving to that which the consumer canreach. Space above this height is either not used or must be accessed bystore personal with a ladder. Use of conventional shelves also presentsobstacles to consumers who cannot reach the top or bottom shelves; suchas consumers in wheelchairs or mobile carts, consumers with certaindisabilities or disabling injuries, and consumers that are simplyshorter than average.

Shelves configured for vertical carousel rotation present the potentialto use the space above conventional fixed-position shelves for storingmerchandise that can be brought to all consumers. A variety of carouselshelving units are known and have been used in a variety of settings forvarious purposes. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,603,547; 2,442,070;1,680,035; 4,314,647; 2,703,643; 3,299,658; 3,298,536; all of which areincorporated by reference herein, disclose vertical carousel shelvingunits of different configurations, some of which are intended to displaymerchandise in retail stores. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,880issued to Applicant discloses a vertically oriented carousel shelvingunit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered limited of its scope, the invention will be describedand explained with additional specificity and detail through the use ofthe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of astorage and retrieval system.

FIG. 2A provides a detailed perspective view of the embodiment of astorage and retrieval system shown in FIG. 1 adjacent an embodiment of afront exterior panel.

FIG. 2B provides a plain front view of the embodiment of a frontexterior panel shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A.

FIG. 3A provides a perspective view of the embodiment of a storage andretrieval system shown in FIG. 1 wherein certain exterior panels havebeen removed for clarity.

FIG. 3B provides a detailed perspective view of the top portion of theembodiment of a storage and retrieval system shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A.

FIG. 3C provides a perspective view of the embodiment of a storage andretrieval system shown in FIG. 1 showing one illustrative embodiment ofa plurality of storage members.

FIG. 4A provides a perspective view of the embodiment of a storage andretrieval system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A wherein various exterior panelsand elements of the storage assembly have been removed for clarity.

FIG. 4B provides a detailed perspective view of the top portion of theembodiment of a storage and retrieval system as shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a second embodiment of a storagemember 32 that may be used with various embodiments of the storage andretrieval system.

FIG. 6 provides a detailed perspective view of an illustrativeembodiment of a positioning assembly that may be used with the storageand retrieval system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Element Description Element NumberStorage and retrieval system 10 Exterior panel 12 Frame member 14 Frontexterior panel 20 Access port 22 Scanner 23 First display 24 Seconddisplay 25 Door flap 26 Lower door flap  26a Pivot mechanism 27 Storageassembly 30 Side plate 31 Guide  31a Drive keeper  31b Storage member 32Side surface  32a Bottom surface  32b Front ledge  32c Back wall  32dPartition  32e Drive member 36 Coupling member 37 Positioning assembly40 Plate 42 Pin 43 Fixed arm 44 Roller 45 Pivot arm 46 Connector 47

Before the various embodiments of the present invention are explained indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangements ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that phraseology and terminology used herein with referenceto device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like“front”, “back”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like) are onlyused to simplify description of the present invention, and do not aloneindicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have aparticular orientation. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”,and “third” are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes ofdescription and are not intended to indicate or imply relativeimportance or significance. Further, although some figures includedherewith show various dimensions of some features of certainillustrative embodiments of the present invention, such dimensions arefor illustrative purposes only and in no way limits the scope of thepresent disclosure. The following detailed description is of the bestcurrently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments ofthe invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense,but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the generalprinciples of the invention, since the scope of the invention is bestdefined by the appending claims. Various inventive features aredescribed below that can each be used independently of one another or incombination with other features.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1provides a perspective view of a first illustrative embodiment of astorage and retrieval system 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Broadly, theillustrative embodiment of a storage and retrieval system 10 facilitatesbetter use of floor space by making multiple items available at aconvenient location for a user, generally adjacent an access port 22positioned in a front exterior panel 20, as described in further detailbelow. A plurality of exterior panels 12 may be engaged with one or moreframe members 14 to provide a useful and/or aesthetically pleasingexterior to the storage and retrieval system 10.

It is contemplated that for the illustrative embodiment, it may beadvantageous to engage four generally vertically oriented frame members12 (e.g., one at each corner of the storage and retrieval system 10)with a plurality of generally horizontally oriented frame members 12 atvarious positions along the height of a generally vertical frame member12, as best shown in FIG. 3C. Accordingly, each generally horizontalframe member 12 may be engaged with at least one generally verticalframe member 12, and are shown in FIG. 3C with each end thereof engagedwith different generally vertical frame members 12 such that a pluralityof frame members 12 are engaged with one another to cooperate in forminga supporting frame structure for the storage and retrieval system 10.However, alterations in the structure, configuration, and/or orientationof the various frame members 12 will occur without departing from thespirit and scope of the storage and retrieval system 10 as disclosed andclaimed herein.

FIG. 2A provides a detailed perspective view of the illustrativeembodiment of a storage and retrieval system 10 about a first embodimentof a front exterior panel 20. The front exterior panel 20 may be engagedwith one or more frame members 14 such that the front exterior panel 20may pivot with respect to certain other elements of the storage andretrieval system 10 about one or more pivot mechanism 27, as shown inFIG. 2B. As such, the front exterior panel 20 may serve as an access orservice door to the interior of the storage and retrieval system 10 in amanner similar to that of typical vending machines. Accordingly, thefront exterior panel 20 may be configured with a locking mechanism (notshown) to restrict access to the interior of the storage and retrievalsystem 10.

The access port 22 may be configured to provide an opening that allows auser to interact with selected contents within the storage and retrievalsystem 10. A door flap 26 may be configured to either deny or allowaccess through the access port 22. In the illustrative embodiment, thedoor flap 26 may be configured to move in a generally vertical directionsuch that it slides with respect to the front exterior panel 20. Asshown in FIG. 2A, the door flap 26 is in the open position, wherein thedoor flap 26 has slid downward to allow access to the access port 22. Inother embodiments, a door flap 26 may cooperate with a lower door flap26 a. In such an embodiment the door flap 26 and lower door flap 26 amay have an interface therebetween approximately at the centerline ofthe access port 22, wherein the door flap 26 would move upward and thelower door flap 26 a would move downward to allow access to the accessport 22. Alternatively, the front exterior panel 20 may be configuredwith right and left door flaps that move away from one another in agenerally horizontal direction to allow access to the access port 22.Accordingly, the scope of the storage and retrieval system 10 is notlimited by the structure and/or method used to selectively controlaccess through the access port 22. Additionally, any structure and/ormethod so used may be configured as transparent to allow users tovisually inspect the contents behind the access port 22 that arepositioned adjacent thereto.

The door flap 26 and/or other structure and/or method used to controlaccess through the access port 22 may be actuated (if need be) by anysuitable structure and/or method suitable for the particular embodimentof the structure and/or method used to control access through the accessport 22. For example, if a physical, transparent member configured as amoveable door flap 26 is used, the door flap 26 may be actuated betweenan open, closed, and/or partially closed position via an electricallypowered actuator (e.g., solenoid) 29, pneumatic actuator 29, or anyother suitable method and/or structure to provide a motive force to thedoor flap 26. Accordingly, the optimal structure and/or method forallowing/denying access through the access port 22 will vary from oneembodiment of the storage and retrieval system 10 to the next, and istherefore in no way limiting to the scope thereof.

The front exterior panel 20 may be configured with one or more scanners23 positioned thereon. The scanner(s) 23 may be configured as anyscanner 23 that may be suitable for the particular application of thestorage and retrieval system 10. For example, in a retail setting thescanner 23 may be configured as a bar code scanner or QR code scanner.In a warehouse setting, the scanner 23 may be configured as a biometricscanner, such as a retinal, fingerprint, or thumbprint scanner.Accordingly, the scope of the storage and retrieval system 10 is in noway limited by the presence of a scanner 23, the number thereof, and/orthe particular type thereof.

The scanner 23 may be in communication with a locking mechanism (notshown) on the front exterior panel 20, such that recognized personnelmay access the storage and retrieval system 10 not only via the accessport 22, but also be opening the front exterior panel 20. Accordingly,access to the internal components of the storage and retrieval system 10via opening of the front exterior panel 20 may be granted to a firstuser via the scanner 23, but denied to a second user. Simultaneously,that second user may be granted access to various items within thestorage and retrieval system 10 via the access port 22, which itemswould most commonly be limited to the contents of specific storagemembers 32. However, any other configuration of a scanner 23 to allowand/or deny access to various contents and/or components of the storageand retrieval system 10 may be used therewith without limitation.

The front exterior panel 20 may also be configured with a first display24 engaged therewith. The first display 24 may be in communication(either wired or wirelessly) with a CPU that is programmed to provideany functionality that may be desirable for the specific application ofthe storage and retrieval system 10. For example, if the storage andretrieval system 10 is configured for use within a retail setting, itmay be advantageous to program the CPU to display a map of the retailestablishment on the first display 24. Additionally, the first display24 may be a point of user interaction if configured as a touch screen.It is contemplated that the CPU may be programmed so that the firstdisplay 24 may be configured to have a shopping cart function, which maybe advantageous in a retail setting.

A second display 25 may also be mounted to the storage and retrievalsystem 10 above the first display 24. The second display 25 may be incommunication with a CPU (which could be the same CPU in communicationwith the first display 24 previously mentioned) to provide content tothe second display 25. It is contemplated that in a retail setting, itmay be advantageous for the second display 25 to provide advertisements,which may include an audio component if the second display 25 isequipped with speakers.

As shown in FIGS. 2A & 3A, the illustrative embodiment of a storage andretrieval system 10 may include a storage assembly 30 comprising one ormore storage members 32. It is contemplated that the storage assembly 30may be positioned within the interior of the storage and retrievalsystem 10. The storage assemblies 32 may be of any suitableconfiguration for the particular application of the storage andretrieval system 10, but in the illustrative embodiment thereof may beconfigured primarily as shelves having one or more side surfaces 32 aand a bottom surface 32 b. A front ledge 32 c and back wall 32 c mayalso be employed if needed, as most clearly shown in FIG. 3B. Theoptimal configuration of a storage member 32 will vary from oneembodiment of the storage and retrieval system 10 to the next, and willbe dependent at least in part upon the contents to be placed in eachstorage member 32. One storage and retrieval system 10 may be configuredwith differently configured storage members 32, or all storage members32 may be configured the same. Accordingly, the specific configurationof the storage members 32 in no way limits the scope of the storage andretrieval system 10.

A second embodiment of a storage member 32 is shown in FIG. 5. Thisembodiment of a storage member may be configured with multiplepartitions 32 e to accommodate items of varying size and/or shape on asingle storage member 32. It is contemplated that the various partitions32 e may be removable and/or configured in a variety of orientationswithout limitation. Additionally, any storage member 32 may beconfigured with biasing members (not shown), such as springs, whichbiasing members serve to urge items away from the back wall 32 d foreasier access to the items through the access port 22. Any storagemember 32 may also be configured such that only one of a plurality ofitems on a given storage member 32 is accessible through the access port22. Such singular access to a plurality of items may be accomplished viaany suitable structure and/or method for the particular embodiment ofthe storage and retrieval system 10. Such structures and/or methodsinclude but are not limited to screw members, locking boxes, etc.Accordingly, the presence and/or specific structure and/or method forsingular access to a specific item from a plurality of items on a givenstorage member 32 in no way limits the scope of the storage andretrieval system 10 as disclosed and claimed herein.

A storage member 32 may be configured to interact with the storageassembly 30 in any manner suitable for the particular application of thestorage and retrieval system 10. One embodiment of a positioningassembly 40 as shown in FIG. 6 may comprise a plate 42 for engagementwith a storage member 32. In the illustrative embodiment it iscontemplated that the plate 42 may engage the storage member 32 on theexterior of the side surface 32 a, and that a positioning assembly 30may be engaged with one or both side surfaces 32 a of a storage member32.

The positioning assembly 40 may be formed with a pin 43 extending fromthe plate 42, wherein the pin 43 may be securely engaged with the plate42 such that neither may rotate with respect to the other. A fixed arm44 may be engaged with the pin 43 such that the fixed arm 44 does notrotate with respect to the pin 43 (and consequently with respect to theplate 42 and storage member 32 with which the plate 42 is engaged). Thedistal end of the fixed arm 44 may be configured as a roller 45 forplacement within the guide 31 a, such that the roller 45 may move alongthe guide 31 a with minimal friction/resistance. The roller 45 and/orguide 31 a may be formed of complimentary materials to reduce thefriction therebetween, which materials include but are not limited toTeflon®, polymers, natural materials, other materials, and/orcombinations thereof.

The positioning assembly 40 may also include one or more pivot arms 46that may be pivotally engaged with the pin 43 at a first end of thepivot arm 46. The distal end of the pivot arm 46 may be formed as aconnector 47 and engaged with the coupling member 37, which engagementmay also be in a pivotal manner. However, in the illustrative embodimentof a positioning assembly 40 it is contemplated that the connector 47may advantageously engage the coupling member 37 in a non-pivotal, rigidarrangement. In this manner, the mechanical energy from the drive member36 may be communicated to a storage member 32 first through a couplingmember 37 and then through one or more pivot arms 46 of a positioningassembly 40 engaged with the storage member 32. Accordingly, the storagemember 32 and positioning assembly 40 may be configured such that theorientation of the fixed arm 44 with respect to the storage member 32and the shape of the guide 31 a determine the orientation of the storagemember 32 with respect to the side plates 31, front exterior panel 20,frame members 14, etc. However, other structures and/or methods may beused to determine the orientation of a storage member 32 with respect toother elements of the storage and retrieval system 10 without departingfrom the spirit and scope thereof.

Using the illustrative embodiment of a positioning assembly 40 shown inFIG. 6, the storage assembly 30 may be configured to vary the yaw,pitch, and/or roll of a storage member 32 at a specific position alongthe guide 31 a. For example, adjusting the shape of the guide 31 a inthe fore/aft dimension (from a vantage in front of the front exteriorpanel 20) may cause a storage member 32 to tilt forward for a certainlength of the guide 31 a. Such a configuration may be advantageous forensuring that items positioned on a storage member 32 are located awayfrom the back wall 32 d of the storage member 32.

The storage assembly 30 may be configured to indexably move a pluralityof storage members 32 about a predetermined path, wherein each storagemember 32 may pause in an area adjacent the access port 22 such that auser may view and/or interact with the contents positioned on thatparticular storage member 32. One or more storage members 32 may beengaged with one another via a coupling member 37. In the illustrativeembodiment of a storage assembly 30, the coupling member 37 may beconfigured as a link chain, belt, and/or any other structure that issuitable to communicate motive forces from a drive member 36 to astorage member 32 and/or from one storage member 32 to another.

The illustrative embodiment of a storage and retrieval system 10 withvarious exterior panels 12, frame members 14, and the front exteriorpanel 20 removed for clarity is shown in FIG. 3C. In the illustrativeembodiment, the storage assembly 30 may be configured such that aplurality of storage members 32 is moveable within a generallyelliptical circuit. To facilitate movement of the storage members 32,the storage assembly 30 may be configured with a drive member 36 and acoupling member 37. It is contemplated that the drive member 36 may bemounted within the storage and retrieval system 10, but it may bemounted exterior thereto without limitation.

In the illustrative embodiment of the storage assembly 30, the drivemember 36 may be configured as a sprocket engaged with a motive energysource (not shown), such as an electric or pneumatic motor. However, inother embodiments the motive energy source may be integrally formed withthe drive member 36. In the illustrative embodiment of the storageassembly 30, the drive member 36 may be engaged with a sprocket, pulley,and/or any other structure that is suitable to communicate a motiveforce to one or more storage members 32 and/or coupling member 37.

The illustrative embodiment of a storage assembly 30 mounted within aplurality of frame members 14 is shown in perspective in FIG. 4A. As maybe seen in FIG. 4A, one or more side plates 31 a may be engaged with oneor more frame members 14. A detailed view of the top portion of theillustrative embodiment of a storage assembly 30 is shown in FIG. 4B.Each side plate 31 may be formed with a guide 31 a therein. Generally,the guide 31 a may be configured to dictate the shape and constraints ofthe circuit for the storage members 32. Accordingly, in the illustrativeembodiment the guide 31 a may be generally elliptically shaped, but thescope of the storage and retrieval system 10 is not so limited andextends to any shape and/or configuration of a guide 31 a withoutlimitation.

As shown in FIGS. 4A & 4B, a drive keeper 31 b may be engaged with theside plate 31 on the interior portion thereof. In the illustrativeembodiment, the drive keeper 31 b may be configured as a track and/orpathway in which the coupling member 37 may reside and may also providean engagement location for the drive member 36. The drive keeper 31 bmay be configured such that the coupling member 37 and/or drive member36 are fully enclosed within the drive keeper 31 b to mitigate thepossibility of foreign objects interfering with the operation of eitherthe coupling member 37 and/or drive member 36.

Various safeguards and/or other safety features may be integrated intothe access port 22 to protect contents of the storage and retrievalsystem 10 and/or personnel using the storage and retrieval system 10.For example, in the illustrative embodiment it is contemplated that aninvisible light curtain system may be projected across the access port22. The structure and/or method controlling access to the access port 22may be in communication with a logic circuit that is also incommunication with the drive member 36 and/or light curtain system(which may reside on a central CPU in communication with otherelectrical components of the storage and retrieval system 10). The logiccircuit may be configured such that if the light curtain system detectsan object within the access port 22, the drive member 36 and/orstructure and/or method controlling access to the access port 22 may beimmobilized. Such a safeguard would mitigate the likelihood of thestorage assembly 30 becoming inadvertently energized when a user isattempting to interact with a storage member 32 and/or other objectthrough the access port 22.

Another safeguard that may be incorporated into the access port 22 toprotect items and/or users is a pressure sensor(s) 28 placed along theedge of the door flap 26 and/or lower door flap 26 b. The pressuresensor(s) 28 may be in communication with a CPU and/or logic circuitthat is simultaneously in communication with the structure and/or methodfor actuating the door flap 26 and/or lower door flap 26 a. Accordingly,if the pressure sensor 28 experiences a pressure beyond a predeterminedset point, the CPU and/or logic circuit may cause the direction of thedoor flap 26 and/or lower door flap 26 a to reverse.

Additionally, each storage member 32 may be configured with a touchand/or pressure sensor(s) (not shown) along a portion thereof. Thesevarious sensors may be in communication with a CPU and/or logic circuitthat is simultaneously in communication with the structure and/or methodfor actuating the door flap 26 and/or lower door flap 26 a. Accordingly,the sensors on the storage members 32 experience touch and/or pressureat a predetermined amount, the drive member 36 may become idle such thatthe storage members 32 do not inadvertently move. Sensors on the storagemembers 32 may also provide a safeguard against items inadvertentlyfalling from the storage member 32 into an area in which it mayinterfere with the internal components of the storage and retrievalsystem 10.

Finally, an emergency stop switch (not shown) may be positioned in areadily accessible position on the exterior of the storage and retrievalsystem 10. It is contemplated that the emergency stop switch may be indirect communication with the power supply for the storage and retrievalsystem 10 and/or the drive member 36. Accordingly, depending on theconfiguration of the emergency stop switch, pressing the emergency stopswitch may cause the entire storage and retrieval system 10 to poweroff, or it may immobilize the storage assembly 30 such that now storagemembers 32 can move. It is contemplated that the CPU and/or logiccircuit in communication with the various sensors of the storage andretrieval system 10 may be configured such that in the event that one ofthe sensors and/or switches fails and/or provides any indication that itis malfunctioning, the CPU and/or logic circuit will default to a powerdown/immobilization state for the drive member 36 such that the storagemembers 32 do not move.

It is contemplated that the various features/aspects/components of thestorage and retrieval system 10 may communicate with one another foroptimal ease of use. For example, the scanner 23 and first display 24and/or second display 25 may work in conjunction such that a user maybring empty packaging having a bar code, scan the bar code with thescanner 23, and thereby cause the first display 24 and/or second display25 to show the location of that item on a store map (or indicate whethera similar item is available in the storage and retrieval system 10itself). Additionally, the scanner 23 and first display 24 and/or seconddisplay 25 may work in conjunction such that when a user scans a barcode or product code, more information, advertisements, alternatives,etc. are displayed on the first display 24 and/or second display 25.

The storage and retrieval system 10 may also be configured with a radiofrequency identification (RFID) system. Such an embodiment may providereal time inventory of items within the storage and retrieval system 10,as a sensor (not shown) may be located adjacent the access port 22 suchthat a CPU in communication with the RFID system will update thequantity of items within the storage and retrieval system 10 when anitem having an RFID tag is removed through the access port 22. Anadministrative user may update the quantity of items during restockingor other actions that require the front exterior panel 20 to beopened/unlocked.

The storage and retrieval system 10 may also be configured with amagnetic strip reader, such as one used in credit card and/or debit cardtransactions. If the first display 24 is configured as a touchscreen, avirtual keypad may be displayed by a properly programmed CPU incommunication with the first display 24. If so equipped, the storage andretrieval system 10 may serve as a point-of-sale device, wherein acustomer may select and item to purchase, pay for the item, and thenremove the item through the access port 22 without need for additionalpersonnel and/or interactions. To navigate the contents displayed on thefirst display 24, the storage and retrieval system 10 may be configuredwith a trackball positioned adjacent the first display but at a heightthat is accessible from a wheelchair.

A CPU in communication with the storage assembly 30 and/or drive member36 may be programmed so that when a user desires access to storagemember 32 that is not adjacent the access port 22, the drive member 36moves the coupling member 37 either clockwise or counterclockwise,depending on the shortest path from the desired storage member 32 to theaccess port 22.

If the storage and retrieval system 10 is configured for use withfoodstuffs, or with other items requiring a controlled climate, thestorage and retrieval system 10 may be configured with an HVAC system(not shown). The HVAC system may be configured to control thetemperature, humidity, and/or other environmental characteristics withinthe storage and retrieval system 10. The storage and retrieval system 10may also be configured with a microwave, toaster, toaster oven, and/orother food preparation components adjacent or within the front exteriorpanel 20 as suitable for the particular application of the storage andretrieval system 10.

The storage and retrieval system 10 and various elements thereof may beconstructed of any suitable material known to those skilled in the art.In the embodiment as pictured herein, it is contemplated that mostelements will be constructed of metal or metallic alloys, polymers, orcombinations thereof. However, other suitable materials may be usedwithout limitation.

It should be noted that the storage and retrieval system 10 and variouselements thereof are not limited to the specific embodiments picturedand described herein, but is intended to apply to all similarapparatuses and methods for conveniently storing, recalling, retrieving,and/or otherwise managing items. Modifications and alterations from thedescribed embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art withoutdeparture from the spirit and scope of the storage and retrieval system10.

Furthermore, variations and modifications of the foregoing are withinthe scope of the storage and retrieval system 10. It is understood thatthe storage and retrieval system 10 as disclosed and defined hereinextends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individualfeatures and/or methods mentioned or evident from the text and/ordrawings. All of these different combinations constitute variousalternative aspects of the storage and retrieval system 10. Theembodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicingthe storage and retrieval system 10 and will enable others skilled inthe art to utilize the same. The claims are to be construed to includealternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage and retrieval system comprising: a. aplurality of frame members engaged with one another to form a supportingframe structure; b. a storage assembly engaged with said supportingframe structure, said storage assembly comprising: i. a plurality ofstorage members, wherein said plurality of storage members is configuredto be moveable about a circuit within said storage assembly, and whereineach said individual storage member is configured to hold one or moreitems; ii. a drive member mounted within said supporting framestructure, wherein said drive member is engaged with said plurality ofstorage members such that mechanical energy from said drive member maybe communicated to said plurality of storage members; c. a frontexterior panel mounted to said frame structure, wherein said frontexterior panel comprises: i. an access port, wherein said access portallows a user to interact with at least one said storage member from aposition exterior to said supporting frame structure; ii. a door flapselectively moveable to block said access port via a door flap actuator;iii. a first display positioned above said access port; iv. an invisiblelight curtain positioned over said access port; d. a central processingunit in communication with said drive member, said door flap actuator,said invisible light curtain, and said first display, wherein saidcentral processing unit is configured to prevent said door flap actuatorfrom closing said door flap when an object is positioned in said lightcurtain wherein said door flap is further defined as having a pressuresensitive edge formed thereon, wherein said pressure sensitive edge isin communication with said central processing unit such that when saidpressure sensitive edge is activated said door flap actuator opens saiddoor flap.
 2. The storage and retrieval system according to claim 1wherein said storage assembly further comprises: a. a first side plateaffixed to said supporting frame structure, wherein a guide is fashionedon an interior surface of said first side plate; b. a second side plateopposing said first side plate, wherein said second side plate isaffixed to said supporting frame structure, wherein a second guide isfashioned on an interior surface of said second side plate, and whereinthe dimensions and orientation of said guide and said second guide aresubstantially mirror images of on another; and, c. a coupling memberengaged with said plurality of storage members, wherein said couplingmember communicates mechanical energy from said drive member to saidplurality of storage members.
 3. The storage and retrieval systemaccording to claim 2 wherein each said storage member in said pluralityof storage member further comprises a positioning assembly, saidpositioning assembly comprising: a. a plate engaged with a side surfaceof said storage member; b. a pin engaged with said plate, wherein saidpin extends outward from said plate; c. a fixed arm engaged with saidpin, wherein a roller is engaged with a distal end of said fixed arm,and wherein said fixed arm does not pivot with respect to said pin; andd. at least one pivot arm engaged with said pin, wherein a connector isengaged with a distal end of said at least one pivot arm, wherein saidpivot arm may pivot with respect to said pin, and wherein said connectoris engaged with said coupling member such that said pivot arm does notpivot with respect to said coupling member about said connector.
 4. Thestorage and retrieval system according to claim 3 wherein said firstside plate further comprises a drive keeper, and wherein said couplingmember is further defined as being positioned within said drive keeper.5. The storage and retrieval system according to claim 4 wherein saidcoupling member is further defined as a link chain.
 6. The storage andretrieval system according to claim 5 wherein said drive member isfurther defined as a sprocket configured to receive rotational energyfrom an electric motor.
 7. The storage and retrieval system according toclaim 4 wherein said coupling member is further defined as a belt. 8.The storage and retrieval system according to claim 7 wherein said drivemember is further defined as a pulley configured to receive rotationalenergy from an electric motor.
 9. A storage and retrieval systemcomprising: a. a first, second, third, and fourth generally verticalframe members configured to form a rectangle; b. a plurality ofgenerally horizontal frame members engaged with at least one of saidfirst, second, third, and fourth generally vertical frame members suchthat said first, second, third, and fourth generally vertical framemembers and said plurality of generally horizontal frame members form asupporting frame structure; c. a storage assembly engaged with saidsupporting frame structure, said storage assembly comprising: i. a firstside plate having a guide formed on an interior surface thereof, whereina drive keeper is engaged with said first side plate adjacent saidguide; ii. a second side plate opposite said first side plate, whereinsaid second side plate has a guide formed on an interior surfacethereof, wherein a drive keeper is engaged with said first side plateadjacent said guide, and wherein said guide and said drive keeper onsaid first side plate are substantially mirror images of said guide andsaid drive keeper on said second side plate; iii. a plurality of storagemembers supported by said first and second side plates, wherein eachsaid storage member is engaged with an adjacent said storage member viaa coupling member, wherein said plurality of storage members isconfigured to be moveable about said guides and said drive keepers, andwherein each said individual storage member is configured to hold one ormore items; iv. a drive member mounted within said supporting framestructure adjacent said drive keeper on said first side plate, whereinsaid drive member is engaged with said coupling member such thatmechanical energy from said drive member may be communicated to saidplurality of storage members; d. a front exterior panel mounted to saidframe structure, wherein said front exterior panel comprises: i. anaccess port, wherein said access port allows a user to interact with atleast one said storage member from a position exterior to saidsupporting frame structure; ii. a door flap selectively moveable toblock said access port via a door flap actuator; iii. a first displaypositioned above said access port; iv. an invisible light curtainpositioned over said access port; e. a central processing unit incommunication with said drive member, said door flap actuator, saidinvisible light curtain, and said first display, wherein said centralprocessing unit is configured to prevent said door flap actuator fromclosing said door flap when an object is positioned in said lightcurtain wherein said door flap is further defined as having a pressuresensitive edge formed thereon, wherein said pressure sensitive edge isin communication with said central processing unit such that when saidpressure sensitive edge is activated said door flap actuator opens saiddoor flap.
 10. The storage and retrieval system according to claim 9wherein each said storage member in said plurality of storage memberfurther comprises a positioning assembly, said positioning assemblycomprising: a. a plate engaged with a side surface of said storagemember; b. a pin engaged with said plate, wherein said pin extendsoutward from said plate; c. a fixed arm engaged with said pin, wherein aroller is engaged with a distal end of said fixed arm, and wherein saidfixed arm does not pivot with respect to said pin; and d. at least onepivot arm engaged with said pin, wherein a connector is engaged with adistal end of said at least one pivot arm, wherein said pivot arm maypivot with respect to said pin, and wherein said connector is engagedwith said coupling member such that said pivot arm does not pivot withrespect to said coupling member about said connector.
 11. The storageand retrieval system according to claim 10 wherein said first side platefurther comprises a drive keeper, and wherein said coupling member isfurther defined as being positioned within said drive keeper.
 12. Thestorage and retrieval system according to claim 11 wherein said couplingmember is further defined as a link chain.
 13. The storage and retrievalsystem according to claim 12 wherein said drive member is furtherdefined as a sprocket configured to receive rotational energy from anelectric motor.
 14. The storage and retrieval system according to claim11 wherein said coupling member is further defined as a belt.
 15. Thestorage and retrieval system according to claim 14 wherein said drivemember is further defined as a pulley configured to receive rotationalenergy from an electric motor.
 16. A method of storing and retrieving anitem comprising the steps of: a. positioning an item on a specificstorage member of a plurality of storage members, wherein said pluralityof storage members are engaged with one another via a coupling member;b. providing a first display on a front exterior panel of a storage andretrieval system, wherein said plurality of said storage members ispositioned within said storage and retrieval system, and wherein saidfront exterior panel is formed with an access port therein configured toallow a user to interact with at least one said storage member of saidplurality of storage members when said at least one storage member ispositioned adjacent said access port; c. selectively closing said accessport via a door flap engaged with a door flap actuator; d. positioningan invisible light curtain over said access port; e. allowing a user toquery said storage and retrieval system through said first display sothat said user can determine if said plurality of storage memberscontains said item; f. engaging a drive member with a rotational energysource; g. engaging said drive member with said plurality of storagemembers; h. allowing said user to position said storage member on whichsaid item is positioned to an area adjacent said access port via saidfirst display such that said user may retrieve said item; and, i.providing redundant systems to prevent said user becoming inadvertentlyengaged with an internal element of said storage and retrieval systemvia controlling said light curtain, said door flap actuator, and saiddrive member with a central processing unit, wherein a first systemcomprises ensuring said user does not become inadvertently engaged withany element of said storage and retrieval system during use bypreventing said door flap actuator from closing said door flap when anobject is positioned in said light curtain, and wherein a second systemcomprises immobilizing said drive member when said door flap is notclosed, and wherein a third system comprises a pressure sensorpositioned on a leading edge of said door flap, such that when saidpressure sensor encounters a predetermined amount of pressure, said doorflap actuator opens said door flap.